Yes, them again…
Say what you like about the expanded wild-card format, this will be the second season in a row where the D-backs look likely to be playing meaningful games up until almost the very end of the season. Obviously, it’s not going to impact the likes of the Dodgers, whose billion dollar winter looks likely to end in their eleventh division title in the last twelve years. [Followed by a first-round exit, I suspect – you think we have problems, going into play today, the Dodgers’ rotation is dead-last in the majors for ERA September, at 5.99, and 22nd since the break] But it certainly has opened the window to others, with fourteen teams – almost half the league – currently in with a real chance, at above a 40% play-off shot.
It certainly makes for very nervous entertainment though, and to be honest, almost makes me LESS inclined to watch. The pleasure gained from a win feels likely to be balanced out by the negative emotions of a loss, and with the team going 8-8 in September… watching of late feels something of a zero-value proposition. Though for all those harking back to September 2018, it’s worth noting this team has ALREADY matched the win tally there, with ten games left to play. When the calendar page turned from August, the 2018 D-backs were in sole possession of first place, but ended up nine games back. I suspect you won’t be seeing anything as dramatic this September. Let’s see how things unfold!
Special note: Today’s game is being shown on FOX, so bear that in mind…